frame of reference
noun phrase
1
: an arbitrary set of axes with reference to which the position or motion of something is described or physical laws are formulated
2
: a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood
a Marxian frame of reference
Examples of frame of reference in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Without much of a frame of reference for Skyline Chili, many of our editors were surprised at the sweet notes that tasted more like fall baking than a bowl of tomatoey chili.
—
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
But he’s got no frame of reference for competing against a future Hall of Famer.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The nose bears a family resemblance to the Ariya, and the body style is sort of a crossover, sort of a fastback sedan, depending on your frame of reference.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
What outlaw road movies did you and your crew use as a frame of reference?
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame of reference
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Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
But he’s got no frame of reference for competing against a future Hall of Famer.
—Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
The nose bears a family resemblance to the Ariya, and the body style is sort of a crossover, sort of a fastback sedan, depending on your frame of reference.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
What outlaw road movies did you and your crew use as a frame of reference?
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frame of reference
Cite this Entry
“Frame of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame%20of%20reference. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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